Writer Michael Arceneaux wrote an article today on TheGrio.com talking about TV talk shot host, Maury Povich, and how he views him as the father of “Black Trash TV.”
Arceneaux talks about the beginnings of the show and how it went from uplifting to degrading.
Here’s an excerpt:
It’s the same scene nearly day after day during one specific hour of daytime TV: Some unfortunate women — more than likely young, presumably poor and/or of color — bawling like a 5-year-old who had their beloved blankee burned right in front of them after hearing the words, “You are not the father!” This week Maury, tabloid-themed talk show hosted by the once serious news anchor Maury Povich celebrates its 20th anniversary. It’s certainly been an interesting two decades to say the least.
Initially launched as The Maury Povich Show, the husband of other ex-CBS anchor Connie Chung, discussed current events and featured uplifting tales themed around overcoming adversity. Then came a new show owner and a revamped format — one essentially modeled after The Jerry Springer Show. The shift proved once again that ratings success usually means more than delivering a meaningful message.
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